Two Spot Barb (Pethia cumingii)
| Two Spot Barb Pethia cumingii | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Name | Two Spot Barb |
| Name Lat. | Pethia cumingii |
| Synonym | Barbus cumingii |
| Family | Carps |
| Family lat. | Cyprinidae |
| Order | Carps |
| Order lat. | Cypriniformes |
| Origin | Sri Lanka |
| Habitat | Streams, tributaries |
| Diet | Omnivore |
| pH | 5.5-7.0 |
| Behavior | Peaceful |
| Keeping | Group |
| Care Level | Moderate |
| Reproduction | Egg scatterer |
| Breeding | Moderately difficult |
| Life Span | 4-6 years |
| Protection | No |
| Metric Units | |
| Size | 4-5 cm |
| Temperature | 20-27 °C |
| Hardness | 1-12 °dH |
| Aquarium | 80 l |
| US Units | |
| Size | 1.6"-2" |
| Temperature | 68-81 °F |
| Hardness | 18-214 ppm |
| Aquarium | 20 gal |
Distribution and habitat
The range of the Ceylon Barb is the Bentara and Gin River basins in southwestern Sri Lanka. They live in tributaries and mountain streams with root, gravel and stone covered bottoms and dense riparian vegetation.
Maintenance
The aquarium should have a dense border planting, with many hiding and retreat possibilities (roots, stones) and offer sufficient swimming space. With shaded light (floating plant cover) and a dark substrate covered with some foliage (e.g. sea almond leaves) they show the most beautiful coloration.
No ammonia, ammonium and nitrite should be detectable, the nitrate value should not exceed 100 mg/l. To ensure the water quality and oxygen content, a filter and heater adapted to the aquarium size is required, as well as lighting for the species-appropriate day-night rhythm of the animals.
Diet
In nature they feed on insects, small crustaceans, algae and plankton. The food supply consists of live food, which is also accepted in frozen form without any problems, supplemented with frozen special food mixtures. Especially daphnia, artemia and red mosquito larvae must not be missing. In addition, they need regular vegetable food, such as algae leaves, pureed leafy and wild vegetables or dry food (flakes, granules) with high vegetable content (spirulina, kelp)
Only feed as much as will be eaten immediately (in 10 minutes or less). A regular and varied diet promotes health and increases resistance.
Behaviour and compatibility
They are peaceful and lively fish that live in small schools and can be socialized well with other small and peaceful fish. At least 5, but preferably more Ceylon barbs should be kept together.
Basically, only compatible fish species with similar requirements for water conditions and water temperature should be socialized.
Sex dimorphism
The males are much smaller, slimmer and more intensely colored than the females.
Reproduction and breeding
They are free spawners that do not engage in brood care. The male usually swims around (drifts) the female in the early morning, which spawns among fine-feathered plants. The larvae hatch after about 24 hours and swim freely after a week.
Fry must be fed several times a day with special rearing food (Artemia nauplii). In community tanks breeding is hardly possible, because the spawn is easy prey.
Important
The foliage (e.g., sea almond leaves), when decaying, promotes the development of microorganisms that provide a valuable secondary food source
The well-being of the fish should be checked regularly. Temperature should be checked daily, pH, hardness and nitrate levels should be checked at least every 14 days. Regular partial water changes are recommended, even when contaminant levels have not yet reached the upper limit. Sudden changes in water quality should be avoided. Newly introduced fish must be accustomed slowly to the water in the aquarium.
Further literature can be found in your pet store.
References
Text: Werner Winter; Image: petdata
Source: BMELV (1998): Tierschutzgutachten - Haltung von Zierfischen (Süßwasser); RIEHL & BAENSCH (2006): Aquarien Atlas Bd. 1, Mergus Verlag; ENGELMANN (2005): Zootierhaltung - Tiere in menschlicher Obhut: Fische, Verlag Harri Deutsch
- Gemäß § 21 Abs. 5 Tierschutzgesetz idgF